Parent trigger debate goes late, gets heated

The Florida Senate debated a flurry of amendments to the so-called parent trigger bill late Thursday, ratcheting up the drama ahead of today's debate on the bill itself and the expected vote. Opponents, including Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, say they are confident they have the votes to kill the bill that would allow parents at low-performing schools to choose a turnaround strategy for the school, including a petition to convert to charter.

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.